Summer is the perfect time to focus on outdoor property maintenance. With warm, dry weather and longer days, it’s easier to inspect, repair, and improve your outdoor spaces. Whether you’re a homeowner or managing a rental or commercial property, staying proactive in the summer helps prevent costly repairs and keeps your exterior areas looking their best.
Here are 7 summer property maintenance tasks to complete this season:
1. Inspect and Maintain Patios and Walkways
Over time, patios and walkways can develop cracks, weeds, or uneven sections that become tripping hazards. Summer is an ideal time to:
- Power wash surfaces to remove grime, algae, or mildew.
- Reseal stone, brick, or concrete patios to protect against sun and water damage.
- Repair cracks and reset any shifted pavers to maintain safety and curb appeal.
2. Check and Reinforce Retaining Walls
Retaining walls play a crucial role in managing soil and preventing erosion, especially on sloped properties. Inspect for:
- Cracks, bulging, or leaning sections.
- Signs of water pooling or soil erosion behind the wall.
- Weakened mortar or loose blocks that need resetting.
Improving drainage and reinforcing compromised areas can prevent major structural problems later.
3. Repair and Treat Fences
Fences define your property line and add both privacy and security. In summer, take time to:
- Check for loose boards, posts, or leaning sections.
- Sand and repaint or reseal wood fences to protect against sun, moisture, and insects.
- Remove overgrown vegetation or vines that may cause long-term damage.
4. Inspect and Optimize Irrigation Systems
With water usage high in summer, an efficient irrigation system is essential. Review your sprinkler or drip systems for:
- Clogged or broken heads.
- Leaks or overspray that can waste water.
- Coverage issues—make sure your lawn and plants are getting adequate water without runoff.
Update timers or install smart irrigation controllers to improve water efficiency.
5. Ensure Proper Drainage
Summer storms can expose weak spots in your property’s drainage. Walk around your yard after a rainfall to check for:
- Areas where water pools near the foundation or walkways.
- Clogged drains, gutters, or downspouts.
- Erosion or runoff patterns that could damage landscaping.
Consider installing or updating French drains, swales, or downspout extensions to divert water properly.
6. Refresh Mulch Beds
Mulch doesn’t just improve the look of garden beds—it also helps retain soil moisture and regulate temperature. In summer:
- Add a fresh 2–3 inch layer of mulch around trees, shrubs, and flowers.
- Pull weeds before mulching to suppress future growth.
- Avoid piling mulch directly against plant stems or tree trunks.
7. Lawn Maintenance and Care
Healthy grass can struggle under summer heat without regular care. Keep your lawn vibrant by:
- Mowing regularly, but avoid cutting more than one-third of the blade height at a time.
- Watering deeply in the early morning, 2–3 times per week.
- Aerating compacted soil to improve water and nutrient absorption.
Consider overseeding thin patches and using summer-safe fertilizers if needed.
Staying ahead of outdoor property maintenance during the summer ensures your landscape remains safe, attractive, and functional. Whether you’re preparing for guests, potential buyers, or simply want to enjoy your space, these seven tasks will help keep your property in excellent shape all season long. Don’t have time to do this yourself? We’re here to help! Get your free estimate today.
